In a significant diplomatic move, Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, led a delegation to Kazakhstan, encompassing visits to Almaty and Astana. This trip aimed to strengthen collaboration between the UAE and Kazakhstan across several key sectors of mutual interest, highlighted by a series of high-level events and meetings.
Participation in KIOGE 2026
Al Mazrouei commenced his visit by attending the 30th Kazakhstan International Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference, KIOGE 2026, held in Almaty from September 30 to October 2. The event welcomed over 500 companies from 30 nations, showcasing prestigious enterprises in the oil and gas sector. As one of Central Asia’s most prominent events, KIOGE 2026 displayed the latest technologies and equipment for oil extraction, processing, exploration, logistics, and safety, alongside innovations in artificial intelligence and digital vision within the energy sector.
Energy Policy and International Cooperation
During the event, Al Mazrouei participated in a roundtable discussion on “Energy Policy and International Cooperation”, where he emphasised the necessity of enhancing international collaboration and pooling resources in the energy sector. He stated that such initiatives are vital for adapting to rapid regional changes and ensuring the sustainability and security of energy supplies while preparing nations for future developments.
Meeting with Kazakh Energy Officials
On the sidelines of the conference, Al Mazrouei met with Yerlan Akbarov, Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, to discuss issues of mutual concern. The focal point of their discussions was enhancing connectivity and integration in the energy sector, as well as exploring avenues for cooperation between the two nations in this vital domain.
Tri-partite Memorandum of Understanding
In Astana, Al Mazrouei participated in a historic signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The MoU, which concerns cooperation on the Central Asia–South Asia Railway Project, was officiated in the presence of Janibek Jumaevich Taiganov, Kazakhstan’s Acting Minister of Transport, and Ilham Rustamovich Mukhkamov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport. This agreement aims to enhance railway connectivity among Central Asian nations and South Asia, thus developing transport networks, bolstering trade flows, and promoting regional integration.
Investment and Joint Ventures Discussion
Al Mazrouei also took part in a roundtable discussion concerning “Investments and Joint Ventures between the Two Countries”, convened by Rinati Pectorov, Governor of the Astana Financial Centre. This meeting included representatives from various government ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Energy and Infrastructure, and Foreign Trade, as well as key private sector players including Emirates Water and Electricity Company, Union Railway, Masdar, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and a diverse range of investment firms. The discussions focused on current projects and strategies to support and enhance mutual investments, along with identifying new opportunities for collaboration across priority sectors.
Support for Educational Initiatives
Al Mazrouei participated in the inauguration of the first specialised artificial intelligence university in Central Asia, the Kazakhstan University of Artificial Intelligence, an initiative launched by Kazakhstan’s President Qasym-Jomart Toqaev. This reflects the growing cooperation between the UAE and Kazakhstan in education, technology, and innovation, aiming to cultivate national competencies and prepare the workforce for a knowledge-based economy.
Meeting with Kazakhstan’s President
Concluding the visit, Al Mazrouei met with Kazakhstan’s President, Qasym-Jomart Toqaev, alongside Mansour Al Mansouri, Head of Health Department – Abu Dhabi and CEO of the international G42 company, as well as Dr. Muhammad Saeed Al Areeqi, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan. During this meeting, Al Mazrouei conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the Kazakh people. The President reciprocated with greetings and best wishes to the UAE leadership, reinforcing the committed partnership between the two nations.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The discussions included a review of the bilateral relationships and avenues for enhancing cooperation across diverse areas of shared interest. Both sides highlighted key projects and initiatives, notably in upgrading infrastructure, transport, and exploring collaborative ventures with Abu Dhabi Ports Group while promoting further cooperation in AI and digital transformation.
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of continuous joint efforts to support quality projects and enhance reciprocal investments, aiming to achieve shared goals and interests. President Toqaev appreciated the collaborative efforts between the UAE and Kazakhstan, particularly in the advanced computing infrastructure sector through partnership with the company Brisaite, and underscored the need for ongoing advancements in technology and artificial intelligence to fulfil the aspirations of both nations.
In summary, Suhail Al Mazrouei’s visit to Kazakhstan underscores the deepening ties between the UAE and Kazakhstan, demonstrating ongoing progress in various collaboration areas, particularly in energy, infrastructure, transportation, investment, technology, and artificial intelligence. This endeavour highlights both countries’ commitment to expanding qualitative partnerships, promoting investments and joint initiatives, and supporting collaborative projects that contribute to achieving mutual goals and enhance economic and developmental integration within the region.